Published on
October 20, 2025
In Brisbane, a remarkable shift is happening in how we think about patient care. Through cutting-edge virtual reality technology, patients confined to hospitals are being offered a chance to travel—without ever leaving their beds. The initiative, Holiday from Hospital can aptly be called as “From Bed to Bush”, is bringing some of Australia’s most stunning landscapes, like the Kimberley and Kakadu, straight into the hospital rooms of patients. This innovative use of VR not only provides a much-needed escape but also helps patients feel connected to the world outside, offering them a sense of adventure during challenging times. Virtual reality is turning hospital stays into more than just recovery periods; they are becoming journeys. This inspiring and wholesome story of unique tourism is transforming how we view healthcare, showing that even from a hospital bed, travel to the wild beauty of Australia’s north can be as immersive and therapeutic as any vacation.
A Personal Journey Sparks Innovation
The Holiday from Hospital program is the brainchild of Damien Thompson, a Brisbane-based leukaemia survivor. During his own extended hospital stays, Thompson experienced firsthand the emotional and physical toll of prolonged illness. He recalls a pivotal moment when he donned a virtual reality (VR) headset and was transported to a serene space station. The experience was so rejuvenating that it inspired him to create a solution for others facing similar challenges.
In 2019, Thompson founded the Chimera Legacy Foundation, aiming to alleviate the isolation and stress of hospital patients through immersive VR experiences. The Holiday from Hospital program was born, offering patients the chance to virtually explore destinations like the Kimberley region, Kakadu and Litchfield national parks, and even international locales such as Paris and Rome—all from the comfort of their hospital beds.
Transforming Patient Care with Virtual RealityImmersive Experiences for Healing
The program utilizes VR headsets to provide patients with 360-degree immersive experiences. These virtual journeys are designed to reduce anxiety, alleviate boredom, and offer a much-needed escape from the confines of hospital life. Patients can virtually walk through lush gorges, gaze at expansive coastlines, or wander through bustling city streets, all while lying in their hospital beds.
For those who experienced the progrm, the VR experience provided more than just a distraction—it offered a sense of connection and normalcy during a challenging time.
Expanding Horizons
Initially, the program focused on international destinations. However, feedback from patients led to the inclusion of Australian landmarks. Thompson embarked on a three-month journey across Australia, capturing VR footage of iconic locations such as Purnululu National Park and El Questro, to bring the beauty of the Australian outback to hospital patients.
The Great Australian Outback Tour aimed to raise funds and awareness for the program, with Thompson personally filming and editing the content to ensure high-quality experiences for patients.
Broadening Access Across AustraliaHospital Partnerships
The program has been implemented in several hospitals across Australia, including the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and Townsville University Hospital. These partnerships have allowed the initiative to reach a diverse range of patients, from children undergoing cancer treatment to adults recovering from surgeries.
Thompson’s vision is to expand the program nationwide, bringing virtual escapes to patients in both metropolitan and regional hospitals. The goal is to make these immersive experiences accessible to anyone in need, regardless of their location.
Community Support and Future Plans
The success of the Holiday from Hospital program relies heavily on community support. Donations and volunteer efforts help fund the production of VR content, the purchase of equipment, and the expansion of the program to more hospitals. Thompson encourages individuals and organizations to get involved, whether through financial contributions, volunteering, or spreading awareness about the initiative.
Looking ahead, the Chimera Legacy Foundation plans to continue capturing and sharing the wonders of Australia through VR, with hopes of reaching even more patients in the future.he Power of Virtual Reality in Healthcare
The Holiday from Hospital program is part of a growing trend of integrating virtual reality into healthcare settings. Studies have shown that VR can effectively reduce pain, anxiety, and stress in patients, offering a non-pharmacological alternative to traditional treatments. By providing immersive experiences, VR helps patients manage their emotions and mental well-being during challenging times.
As technology continues to evolve, the potential applications of VR in healthcare are vast. From pain management to rehabilitation, VR is proving to be a valuable tool in enhancing patient care and improving outcomes.
Conclusion
The Holiday from Hospital program exemplifies how innovation and compassion can intersect to improve patient care. By offering virtual escapes to patients confined to hospital beds, the program provides not just a distraction, but a means of healing and connection. Through the efforts of individuals like Damien Thompson and the support of the community, the program continues to bring moments of joy and relief to those who need it most.
Source: abc.net
